Statement on Governor’s plan to deal with the budget shortfall

We supported placing video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks to boost Ohio’s economy and help the state’s equine industry, but that plan is unlikely to come to fruition anytime soon due to the recent Supreme Court ruling.

Farm Bureau believes the Governor’s plan to delay the final reduction in state income taxes is a reasonable solution to filling the budget gap.

We would be willing to examine alternatives to the tax reduction delay should the Governor or legislature identify other options.

If the governor’s proposal is adopted by the legislature, it should be a postponement, not an elimination of the tax reduction. If an improved economy results in increased tax receipts sufficient to meet budget needs, the tax cut should be reinstated.

As always, Ohio Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a fiscally responsible state government. As the state’s largest industry, the agricultural community will remain engaged at all levels to secure economic prosperity for all Ohioans.”

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.